Whistler (Rex) Engravings...for Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, Introduction by Anthony Rota, out-of series copy (not for sale) from an edition limited to 100 copies on hand-made paper, this one of 26 unnumbered copies with one of the original copper plates, engraved title-vignette and 25 engraved sheets comprising 12 plates, 5 maps, 4 head- & 4 tail-pieces by Rex Whistler, the 12 plates hand-coloured, loose as issued, with copper plate in recessed panel inside rear board and printer's original paper wrapping featuring the engraving mounted inside front board (soiled), together in original half viridian morocco drop-back box, slight discolouration to spine, large 4to, Harrison's for H.M. Fletcher, 1970.

⁂ Whistler's illustrated version of Swift's Gulliver's Travels was his magnum opus, first published by the Cresset Press in 1930 with 195 copies on hand-made paper and 10 on vellum, and one of the most magnificent English illustrated books of the 20th century. It was apparently inspired by Richard Bentley's Designs for Six Poems by Mr T.Gray of 1753 and Whistler drew the illustrations within elaborate rococo frames, each one different, many reflecting his love of Baroque architecture. He spent months on the detailed pen and ink drawings; according to his brother Laurence he sat up all night drawing one wheatsheaf. The original copper plates were bought by bookseller H.M.Fletcher who issued this suite of the illustrations in 1970.

The copper plate is for for the map displaying "The Kingdoms of Laputa, Balnibarbi, Glubbdubdrib, Luggnagg and Japan".